National Beer Day

National Beer Day History

National Beer Day is dedicated to celebrating everything about beer, one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drinks worldwide. This day also honours the role beer has played as a common thread throughout history, binding together communities and cultures. Acknowledging the contribution of various breweries, big and small, it provides an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into brewing different styles of beer.

The tradition of National Beer Day is believed to trace back to the United States, commemorating the Cullen-Harrison Act which brought an end to the Prohibition era. In Canada, however, it gained relevance via the burgeoning craft beer market, paying homage to the country’s extensive brewing history and the myriad of innovative and diverse flavours offered by Canadian breweries. The role beer has played in shaping socio-economic aspects in Canada, from small-scale family-owned breweries to multinational giants, serves to enrich the significance of National Beer Day in the Canadian context.

National Beer Day in Canada is primarily characterised by special events across the country, shining a spotlight on local breweries. Pub crawls, beer tasting events, brewery tours, and beer-making workshops are common festivities associated with this day. The public is encouraged to support local breweries by enjoying a pint of their favourite brew, or trying something new. Beer enthusiasts might also learn more about the complexities of beer making and the diverse range of styles available in Canada. Although the official date of National Beer Day varies globally, in Canada it is typically observed in line with International Beer Day on the first Friday in August.

Facts about National Beer Day

• Justin Smith has been the main proponent of the holiday. A friend of his suggested celebrating the day after they learned Iceland had a similar holiday (on March 1st). Justin managed to get official recognition for the day in Virginia beginning 2019 and is advocating for official national recognition.
• Recognition of this holiday increased greatly in 2011 with the help of the smartphone app Untappd. The makers of the app created a special badge for it. Badges are graphics that are awarded to users of the app as they record beers they've tried and venues they've visited.
• The beer industry contributes significantly to the Canadian economy. According to Beer Canada, in 2019 the industry contributed $13.6 billion in GDP, and directly and indirectly employed approximately 149,000 people.
• There are over 1,000 breweries in Canada as of 2021. On National Beer Day, many of these breweries hold celebrations, offer discounts, and host events.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Beer Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Beer Day

• Drink beer! Many places have specials for the day. But remember to drink responsibly.
• Attend Oktoberfest in Kitchener, Ontario: One of the biggest celebrations of beer in Canada, featuring traditional music, Bavarian cuisine, and, of course, beer.
• Visit local breweries or pubs in your area: Many cities in Canada have a vibrant craft beer scene. Check out breweries in Ottawa, Vancouver, Victoria, Hamilton, etc.